I read a book that was given to me a while ago. It was something I wanted to read but couldn't find the time. This assignment seemed like the perfect time to open the book titled “Being Sober” by Dr. Harry Haroutunian. The book is written by a doctor who works in recovery and is also in recovery. I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. This is the first time I've read a book on recovery that doesn't fit into the AA book or 12 step book. I have read and know a little about addiction, but have never taken the time to read a book about getting sober, overcoming addiction, and living in recovery. The first chapter is about understanding drug addicts and alcoholics and how it is a disease that affects a person's brain and understanding that addiction is not something that some people can just quit. It is important to understand that there is more addiction than quitting and many people still do not believe that addiction is a disease when in reality it is. Addiction affects a person's brain by affecting dopamine neurotransmitters. Some drugs will bind to dopamine and directly stimulate those receptors. Some drugs bind to dopamine but do not stimulate dopamine receptors. This book really opened my eyes to the world of addiction. I really like the examples that books give us. The book understands that it is difficult for most people and family members to understand that addiction is a disease. It might because drug addicts and alcoholics have done some pretty bad things, because addicts' behaviors can be intolerable, and living with one can drive a family member to the brink of insanity. It's easy for a person to think that someone can just stop using drugs and alcohol, but I learned... halfway through the paper... and the stages of addiction a little better. The first step is to start accepting what you cannot change. This is something I tell myself every day because it reminds me that I can't always be in control of everything. I must allow my higher power to guide me through life. The Serenity Prayer reminds us to have the courage to change the things we can. I am in control of my life and my happiness and I need to make changes to keep it that way. Having the wisdom to know what I can change and what I can't is helpful because it allows me to let things go. The Serenity Prayer has been adopted by AA groups but it should be adopted by everyone because it is very helpful in my life. Reading this book "Being Sober" by Dr. Harry Haroutunian has opened my eyes when it comes to helping families understand addiction and how everyone must surrender to the same words